Stamatis Named First Team All-Ivy League, Paces Six Lions Honored by the League

NEW YORK - Columbia junior forward Will Stamatis was named first team All-Ivy League in men's soccer and five other Lions garnered All-Ivy accolades after one of the best seasons in the program's recent history.

It is the first time a Columbia men's soccer player has earned first team honors since Thor Gestsson in 2004. Six total honorees are the most since the 2000 team also had six members receive All-Ivy League accolades.

Stamatis had an outstanding season, leading Columbia with six goals on the season, including five that were game winners. Stamatis had a flair for the dramatic as three of those goals came in overtime.

A stalwart in the back throughout his career, Shaban was a key cog in a stout Columbia defense in 2011. An honorable mention All-Ivy selection in 2010, Shaban came through offensively late in the season as he scored both goals in the Lions' 2-1 win against Harvard after tallying the game winner in a 2-1 win vs. Adelphi.

Mazzullo, the team captain in 2011 and three times during his Columbia career, registered four assists this season and was the linchpin of the Lions' midfield. An honorable mention All-Ivy honoree a year ago, Mazzullo started all 16 matches he played this season and finished his career having started 64 of 66 matches he played.

Scott totaled a team-high six assists this season despite playing in 11 games due to an early-season injury. Columbia's corner kick specialist, Scott had a knack for perfect placement with the ball and was a dynamic two-player for the Lions in 2011.

After a strong rookie season in which he was an All-Ivy League honorable mention, Najem had another strong season as a sophomore. Najem started all 16 matches he played, notching two goals and two assists. Third on the team in shots on goal, Najem scored the game-winning goal in Columbia's 1-0 victory in its season opener at Fairfield.

Sauerbier, another stellar sophomore, makes his second straight appearance on the All-Ivy League second team. The Ivy League Rookie of the Year in 2010, Sauerbier started all 17 matches he played in 2011. Sauerbier scored four goals and recorded three assists and was second on the team with 11 points.